As we begin 2025, all signs are pointing to another challenging year for trucking and logistics.
Employers are already contending with many factors: geopolitical disruptions, shifting workforce demographics, technological advancements, sustainability goals, and labor compliance challenges, among many others. To stay competitive and in compliance, employers need to manage the evolving needs of their workforce effectively.
Let’s explore some human resources (HR) trends that will impact our sector, as well as some strategies for success.
Embrace technological advancements
The adoption of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming operations and highlighting the need for workers with technology-related skills. Employers are increasingly seeking tech-trained candidates and offering training to current employees. This approach will not only fill skill gaps but can also improve employee satisfaction and retention.
AI and automation tools are also transforming recruitment processes. In 2025, AI will be increasingly used to streamline recruitment, improve candidate matching, and speed up hiring. AI-driven systems can analyze resumes, conduct initial screenings, and even assess cultural fit.
When your HR team is more effective and efficient, your business will be, too.
Recruitment and retention
Trucking and logistics continue to grapple with a shortage of qualified drivers. As national demand for freight transportation increases, attracting and retaining skilled drivers is more critical than ever.
Attracting youth and women to our sector remains important, as are continued efforts to improve driver training. Employers that support work-life balance, offer career advancement opportunities, provide competitive compensation, and address gender disparities can develop targeted recruitment campaigns that highlight these efforts and often improve recruitment.
THRC’s has a range of free tools and resources to support your recruitment and retention efforts, and watch for more exciting initiatives planned in 2025 to help you stay on track.
Prioritize employee well-being
In 2025, prioritizing the mental and physical well-being of drivers and staff will remain crucial for our industry.
Comprehensive health and safety programs, including mental health support, stress management, and peer networks are becoming increasingly important. Evolving hybrid work models for non-driving staff require HR approaches to evolve too.
Check our Top Fleet Employer report to see how the best employers in our sector are meeting these challenges.
In all areas, clear communication and expectations, as well as constant adaptation will be key to ensuring a well-supported, happy team — and increased productivity.
Sustainability
As sustainability goals become even more integral to overall business strategies, they are also playing a growing role in shaping job seekers’ decisions.
Prospective employees want to know that employers are working towards positive social change; we can expect to see more companies investing in and demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability and social causes in 2025.
Companies that find ways to build recruitment strategies around environmental and social values can attract employees who want to make a difference.
Labour Code compliance
Canada Labor Code compliance remains a top concern among trucking and logistics employers. In addition to yearly reporting requirements, several significant amendments are scheduled to come into effect in 2025, including the right to disconnect, changes to unionized work environments, new leave provisions, and more.
We know this is an area of concern for many employers, and we are working to enhance our programming in this area. Our popular weekly newsletter will have a compliance calendar starting in January, and we are scheduling more educational webinars to support you in having the right policies, training, and reporting systems in place to meet evolving regulatory requirements.
Putting it all together
The road ahead for our sector in 2025 is undoubtedly challenging, but it is also filled with opportunities for innovation and growth.
Watch for networking and learning opportunities like Women with Drive Leadership Summit in March and Western Women with Drive in April to engage with other change-makers and leaders in our sector.
Together, we can navigate the complexities of 2025 and beyond and create a thriving, future-ready workforce.
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